Madrid Open Shock as Rybakina Falls, Sabalenka Battles Through, Gauff Also Eliminated

Posted : 28 April 2026

The Madrid Open delivered a series of dramatic upsets and intense battles as Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina suffered a surprising fourth-round exit. The world number two was defeated 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 by Anastasia Potapova in a tightly contested match that ended in a major shock.

In contrast, world number one Aryna Sabalenka showed resilience to overcome Naomi Osaka in a gripping encounter. After dropping the first set in a tie-break and trailing early in the second, Sabalenka fought back strongly to win 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 6-2 and secure her place in the quarterfinals.

Sabalenka, who has already claimed titles in Miami, Indian Wells, and Brisbane this season, credited her fighting spirit for the comeback victory. She emphasized her determination to keep pushing under pressure and highlighted her ability to produce key shots at crucial moments.

The opening set between the two Grand Slam champions was tightly balanced, with few break opportunities. Osaka, however, dominated the tie-break with a strong start, racing to a 5-0 lead before closing it out after Sabalenka sent a return wide.

Sabalenka responded strongly in the second set, raising her level and breaking Osaka twice despite a brief setback when the Japanese star briefly led 2-1. The Belarusian then controlled the deciding set, securing two breaks and closing out the match with an ace.

She will next face American Hailey Baptiste, who also impressed by defeating Belinda Bencic in another marathon match that included an extended second-set tie-break.

Osaka, despite the loss, expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting that she was more competitive than in their previous meeting and felt she could match Sabalenka’s power at times.

Elsewhere, world number three Coco Gauff also exited the tournament after a dramatic three-set loss to Linda Noskova. The Czech player secured a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/5) victory in a match filled with momentum swings.

Noskova edged the first set after earning a key break, while Gauff responded strongly in the second to level the match. In the final set, Gauff led by two breaks but was unable to close it out as Noskova fought back to force and win the tie-break.

In the day’s final match, Rybakina’s defeat to Potapova stood out as the biggest upset. Despite a closely fought first set and moments of resistance in the second, Rybakina was ultimately overpowered as Potapova secured one of the biggest wins of her career.

Potapova expressed her joy after the victory, praising her team and describing the match as an extremely difficult but rewarding contest.

Madrid Open Shock as Rybakina Falls, Sabalenka Battles Through, Gauff Also Eliminated

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